Best Pastries in Bethesda

"With two locations in nearby Virginia – Arlington and Alexandria, this bakery is dedicated to bringing fresh baked goods to the masses including those with gluten dietary needs. Dig into gluten-free items such as peanut butter cookies, coconut macaroons, egg croissant sandwich and vanilla or chocolate cake with your choice of vanilla bean or chocolate frosting. They even sell a gluten-free vegan blueberry muffin from Rise Bakery."

"Primarily a gelato shop, Dolci Gelati also serves locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks. Specialty gelato flavors such as honey mascarpone fig and kettle corn set Dolci Gelati apart from other ice cream options in the area. If you’re also planning to visit the Alexandria waterfront, Dolci Gelati is an ideal option — once you get your caffeine and sugar fix, you need only walk five minutes to the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront Park."

"For authentic Italian gelato there is only one place to go—Old Town Dolci Gelati Café. Italy-native Gianluigi Dellaccio, appointedItaly’s “Ambassador of Homemade Gelato,” brings his homeland’s sweetest export to the D.C. metro area, incorporating his own twists along the way."

"Inspired by her extensive travels with her husband, an NPR reporter, Rose Previte opened this neighborhood spot to bring global flavors to curious DC diners. The menu reflects the stamps on her passport, taking cues from international street foods. Since day one, the breakout star has been the khachapuri (a popular dish in the country of Georgia), essentially a canoe-shaped piece of bread filled with melted cheese, butter and egg."

"The neighborhood comfort of Compass Rose is reflected in its menu, sprinkled with international cuisine that can be served in a restaurant or on the street. The star of the show at this hot spot located one block from U Street is the khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread boat coated in an organic egg and butter, often served in Georgia. Pair this with any number of Georgian wines available and you’re officially transported."

"Owner Rose Previte spent three years traveling across the globe, picking up favorite dishes along the way. At this neighborhood joint in the hot 14th and U Streets area, she serves bites from Greece (grilled calamari with quinoa, toasted pistachio..."

"DC restaurant Lavagna is named after a Genoan town that has a reputation for producing the slate rock used to make chalkboards. At the Lavagna restaurant, the owners take this legacy seriously, embodying the belief that food should be as simple and fresh as a chalkboard. It is for this reason that Lavagna has molded itself into a farm-to-table restaurant that sources its ingredients exclusively from local partners."

"Simple, fresh, local ingredients make up the modern Italian fare at Lavagna. Situated a few minutes away from Capitol Hill, this restaurant is a great brunch option in central DC. Inside, you’ll be welcomed into a cozy, homey atmosphere."

"This Barracks Row restaurant focuses on simple, fresh pastas that features products sourced from farms from Tennessee to New York. Standouts include the papardelle lamb and the spaghetti bolognese. Order online for takeout or delivery."

"As the new kid on the block in Old Town Alexandria, Bistro Sancerre opened in January 2019 and is already making waves with its innovative take on classic French cuisine. The interior of the bistro is large, sleek and modern and there is also a romantic patio for good-weather dining. You can get started by ordering a few of their appetizers which include classic French favorites like escargot and Foie Gras given a brand new twist."

"Could be a convenient spot to grab a quick breakfast or lunch, I didn’t try their sandwiches but the coffee was not good."

"There are multiple trucks throughout the city and you can check daily locations on their website. The ice cream at Captain Cookie is from Trickling Springs Creamery and is why it lands as #2 on our best ice cream in Washington DC list. This is some of the most rich and delicious ice cream you will ever have."

"A photo posted by Spoon University GW (@spoon_gw) on Sep 4, 2015 at 9:27am PDT. I feel like once you get to college you forget how much you used to love cookie cakes—don't let that happen. These cookie cakes are made in store and topped with delicious colorful icing, just like the ones from your childhood."

"George Washington University students and Foggy Bottom neighbors alike know this cookie counter serves cookies at almost any time of day. Ask for yours while it’s still hot from the oven."

"The female-owned award-winning bakery single-handedly made vanilla birthday cake with rainbow funfetti sprinkles an acceptable treat 365 days a year. Christina Tosi is the mastermind behind the delightful treats. If your lover isn’t so big on Valentine’s Day maybe you can make them chuckle by celebrating an entirely different holiday-day – even if it’s not either"

"A photo posted by milk bar (@milkbarstore) on Sep 26, 2016 at 8:30am PDT. This place has super fun and unique cakes like birthday cake, chocolate malt cake, and apple pie cake, among others available by special order. The birthday cake flavor is ideal for a birthday."